Katrina Homeless

When I first met Samuel, he introduced himself as “Samuel – as in Second Samuel from the Bible.” I guess he figured he wasn’t worthy to be named after “First Samuel.” He has had a hard life and made several poor decisions that cut him off from any contact from his family for years. Before the storm he lived a lone in a meager rental property.

Samuel never received a MEMA cottage or FEMA camper. Because his pre-Katrina rental property remained physically inhabitable he lacked eligibility for any government assistance. While the gulf coast housing shortage pushed his living quarters above his financial abilities, FEMA regulations deemed his housing loss “not directly storm related,” so he has been in the tent and his vehicle for nearly three years now. Hurricane Gustav flooded his car, so he has been left with only a tent set up on the slab of a storm-destroyed home. To the glory of God, our church has secured a piece of property and the teams framed a tiny house for him this week. Lord willing, it will not take us long to have it ready for him to inhabit.

Seeing this video + hearing Don’s testimony once again is proof of how Lakeshore Baptist Church has not only helped hundreds and hundreds of people in Hancock County since August 2005 but has also blessed hundreds and hundreds of mission trip folks (like my husband + I) who were privileged to be a small part of this rebuilding effort. LBC has saved lives and changed lives; saved minds from despair and changed hearts toward Jesus.
Our MARYLAND church prayers are w/ you. We would like to know what else we can do — write letters of support? send a petition to the county?? you name it…
We love you all,
Paula + Barry